The O’Brien Press

A sequel to The Guns of Easter which won the Eilís Dillon Memorial Award and a Bisto Merit Award.

This books tells the exciting story of Sarah (Jimmy's young sister) and their family who are involved in the spying activities of Michael Collins during the War of Independence. Sarah, a young eleven-year-old, cannot figure out why her family is so neutral towards the war and why everybody is so secretive. A strong rebel herself, she wants to do her bit for Ireland. Then she finds out the terrible truth - and she too carries secrets which could cost her her life.

Gerard Whelan was born in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, and has lived and worked in several European countries. After some time living in Dublin, he has returned to live in his native Wexford. He is the author of many books for children and a multiple award-winner. His first novel, The Guns of Easter, won the Eilís Dillon Memorial Award for first-time writers. Dream Invader later won the Bisto Book of the Year Award. He has also been shortlisted for the Reading Association of Ireland awards. Gerard is also the author of A Winter of Spies and Out of Nowhere.

'excellent, a good story related straight as good stories deserve, enjoyable at any age'

Books Ireland

'thrilling ... adventures set against a completely realised period city, and Sarah is a terrific heroine'

RTE Guide

'The picture of a city and a period characterised by duplicity and deception is excellently portrayed, as is Sarah herself, a remarkable feisty creation'

The Irish Times

'An exciting adventure ... a story which will linger in the mind'

Best Books

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  Original cover

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  Second cover (introduced for third printing in 1999)

Teaching Resources: free to view and download

• Download RBFS: Teaching ideas for sixth class from O'Brien Reading Programme